The celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising have ended. The evening celebrations took place in the “Burza” Action Park on the Warsaw Uprising Mound in Mokotów.
The event was attended by, among others: representatives of state and local government authorities, central institutions, universities and research centers. The ceremony was also attended by the insurgents, Barbara Tokarska, prof. Leszek Żukowski, Janusz Maksymowicz and Stefan Maciąg.
“Dignity and freedom are the most important values”
– The memory of the Warsaw Uprising, the memory of all these values, accompanied subsequent generations for many years. It fueled us with energy, gave us direction, and allowed us to remember our values and what was most important. This is the message of never giving up and that dignity and freedom are the most important values - said the mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, during his speech.
– It seemed like an absolutely impossible task, but Warsaw was built from the rubble. And today she is beautiful every day. And this is the message of steadfastness, this is the message that it is always worth fighting for freedom. This is the message that the men and women of Warsaw never give up, added Trzaskowski.
– Today this is the message of the uprising, which is particularly valuable to us, the inhabitants of Warsaw. Whatever happens, especially in times of danger, especially when we have to be together, we want to be together, the sense of solidarity wins in us, the sense of community wins in us and together we are able to work every day and sacrifice ourselves for our city in order to to make it more beautiful. This story, this wound that, in a sense, has remained unhealed, reminds us of the fortitude of the insurgents and that we have a chance to inherit this fortitude from them, he added.
“We come here to light the fire and then to put it out.”
Professor Leszek Żukowski, a soldier of the Gray Ranks, spoke on behalf of the insurgents.
– After the end of hostilities, it was decided that a mound would be built from the city's rubble and, in agreement with the veterans' circles, it was named the Warsaw Uprising Mound. We meet on this Mound on the next anniversary of the beginning and end of the Warsaw Uprising for a so-called moment of reflection – said Prof. Leszek Żukowski. – What is important is that we come here to ignite the fire and then to put it out. Not with fire in mind, but with the Warsaw Uprising, its purpose, need and effects, he continued.
Commemorative medals were awarded
During the ceremony, selected people and institutions were awarded commemorative medals commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. The medal was awarded to Rafał Trzaskowski, Warsaw Garrison Command, Masovian Voivode Mariusz Frankowski, Capital Police Headquarters, Municipal Guard. Warsaw, District Police Headquarters Warsaw II, Inspector Mariusz Kaszowicz, City Guard of the Capital City of Warsaw Warsaw 2nd local branch, Greenery Board of the Capital City of Warsaw Warsaw, as well as Halina Niemiec, Maciej Dębski, Maciej Garczyński and Ewa Bujalska. Then there was a wreath-laying ceremony and the ceremony of transferring the “Fire of Remembrance” to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
On October 2, 1944, after 63 days of fighting, the Warsaw Uprising ended. Representatives of the Home Army signed the act of surrender in Ożarów. Under the agreement, on October 5, 1944, over 11,500 people were taken prisoner. Home Army soldiers. Approximately 18,000 people died during the fighting. insurgents and approximately 180 thousand civilians.
Main photo source: Marcin Obara/PAP